The Roanoker - March/April 2018 - 12

LUNCH
WITH...

Spanish, French and German so those
studying foreign languages could be
better immersed in the experience. That
also included reaching out to community
members who are fluent in the languages
and can give tours. While challenging, it
serves a need to multiple members of the
community.
Other educational programs include
retirement communities and preschools;
they learn about and make art, and the
museum will showcase each other's art
in their spaces. They'll later bring the
generations together to mix and meet
and share the experience.
With the combination of business,
education and arts, it's no wonder
Petersen made the perfect new director.
"It's an honor to be appointed by
the board of trustees and continue to
serve the community," she says. "It's also
invigorating to look back at the last seven
years and see that educational aspect, but
also know the upcoming impact that can
be made because of the continuity and
strong relationships we've built, and
The Taubman's newly appointed executive director is excited openness to innovative thinking. It's
to build stronger relationships between the art museum and exciting; the high energy that can happen
and outpouring of community support
the community.
is wonderful. It's that momentum and
HE TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF
Petersen knew immediately that positive feeling that keeps us going."
Art recently promoted Cindy listening to all the voices and feedback in
For Peterson, it's all about the future
Petersen to executive director, an the community would build a successful of the museum. "I can see the longevity
accomplishment that now seems meant new space. She worked with focus of this position, in terms of looking
to be upon learning more about her groups, teachers, volunteers and staff, forward and being able to make that
background. The lunch hour at Local including the janitorial department. For impact long-term," she says. "Loving
Roots flies by, and when it's over, I can't her team, attention to detail makes a what you do, and seeing the results [the
wait to step back into the museum for a big difference, as does working with the young ones that come in or reaching out
closer look at the new things happening community.
to the schools and growing that circle,
thanks in part to the new director.
"Our mission is to bring people and and the innovative thinking that can
Petersen and her family moved to art together. It's for discovery, learning overcome any challenge] is important."
Roanoke from Germany a decade ago and enjoyment," she says.
Petersen has three children-Sabrina,
due to her husband Robert's work as
Everything Petersen and her team 17, Matthias, 14, and Franziska, 12-and
a forester. Originally from Omaha, do involves thinking about the visitor- the entire family loves the outdoors and
Nebraska, Petersen earned her bachelor centered approach. That includes biking. Given the family trade, it's no
of science in business administration meeting the community where they are surprise they also love arts and culture,
at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and drawing them in. The top-notch particularly in the Roanoke area. Petersen
followed by a master's in education from exhibits are obvious, as are the traveling is a master tap dancer, and the entire
Harvard University. She began working exhibits and permanent collections, family has performed in the Southwest
at the Taubman in 2011 as a consultant but Petersen sees even more potential Virginia ballet and "The Nutcracker" over
for the Art Venture Interactive space, in reaching out to others through the last five years.
which introduced her into the museum educational participatory programs. Her
"Arts have always been integral for
world.
focus combines creativity, teamwork and us," Petersen says. "Roanoke is such a
"It was a perfect fit in terms of the communication, while always searching wonderful, family-oriented place. ...
renovation part," she says. "Everything for a look through a different lens.
We love to travel, but it's always lovely
from the assessment of what's been
For example, her team discovered to come back home. When you're excited
there and done well to working with that high school students struggle to to be where you are, and have passion
the community from the beginning was find time to fit in a visit; as a result, there, it's easy." I
the museum began offering tours in
integral."
-LIZ LONG

Bringing Art
and People Together

MARCH/APRIL 2018

TheRoanoker.com

http://www.TheRoanoker.com

The Roanoker - March/April 2018

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